The answer may hinge on a plea agreement with federal authorities Jackson is reportedly in the process of negotiating on allegations that he improperly used campaign funds to decorate his home. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, which first reported the federal probe, the Illinois lawmaker may also have used campaign funds to buy a Rolex watch for a female friend.

Jackson is currently back at the Mayo Clinic, but "plea discussions are ongoing," a source told the Sun-Times. He also is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly trying to buy the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama in 2008, but has denied any wrongdoing in the matter that led to the conviction and incarceration of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The congressman easily won re-election this week. But if he reaches a plea agreement or is found guilty in a trial, he will have to resign the seat he's held for 17 years.

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